The Word of the Buddha Contemplation of Feeling
The Word of the BuddhaIV. The Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering
2. Observing the Felt Experience
And how does a bhikkhu dwell observing the felt experience in and of itself?
Here, when experiencing a pleasant feeling, a bhikkhu discerns, ‘I am experiencing a pleasant feeling.’
When experiencing a painful feeling, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a painful feeling.’
When experiencing a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling.’
When experiencing a worldly pleasant feeling, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a worldly pleasant feeling.’
When experiencing a pleasant feeling that is free from worldly ties, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a pleasant feeling that is free from worldly ties.’
When experiencing a worldly painful feeling, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a worldly painful feeling.’
When experiencing a painful feeling that is free from worldly ties, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a painful feeling that is free from worldly ties.’
When experiencing a worldly neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a worldly neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling.’
When experiencing a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling that is free from worldly ties, he discerns, ‘I am experiencing a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling that is free from worldly ties.’
Thus, he dwells observing the felt experience in and of itself internally, or he dwells observing the felt experience externally, or he dwells observing the felt experience both internally and externally. He dwells observing the arising nature in the felt experience, or he dwells observing the going-away nature in the felt experience, or he dwells observing both the arising and going-away nature in the felt experience. Or else, mindfulness that ‘there is a felt experience’ is simply established in him to the extent necessary for knowledge and remembrance. He dwells independent and does not cling to anything in the world.
In this way, a bhikkhu dwells observing the felt experience in and of itself.
Last updated on October 20, 2026